emotive accompaniment in the orchestra. The swift changes of mood and character are effective and the declamato-arioso style is achieved with brilliance. Reception Mascagni’s fear of the length of the opera was well founded. The opera, in four acts, lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes, which was far too long for the Italian public and critics. The length was condemned by Giovanni Pozza, the most influential Italian critic, in his comment on the first performance. After mentioning the numerous qualities in the work he wrote: Inordinate length: if this flaw is not set to rights, it could only weigh down on Parisina’s sound. Independent of any judgement on the intrinsic value of the new opera, the Maestro’s most fanatic advocate must express one hope: cut, cut, cut! This last statement has subsequently been indefinitely linked with Parisina, which is rarely revived but when it is, the fourth act, which (according to Stivender and others) contains the best music, is generally restored. Roles Synopsis (three-act version) Act 1 In the villa of Marquis Nicolo d’Este. The Marquis' son, Ugo, is interrupted by his mother Stella dell’Assassino in the middle of an archery session. Stella, who has recently been replaced by Parisina Malatesta as the matriarch in the family home, is out for vengeance. Assuming that her son is in the same mindset she urges him to do her dirty work. Act 2 In the Loreto sanctuary. Devotional songs are heard from the sanctuary and from sailors on the Adriatic. Parisina prepares to offer the Virgin her most elegant piece of clothing. A friend of Ugo d’Este (Aldobrandino) appears to declare that Ugo is close to a victory over the Esclavons. On his return, his stepmother leads him to the sanctuary to kneel together. Ugo gives his sword as an offering to the Virgin. Ugo, bloody and exhausted from battle, stains Parisina’s tunic during an embrace. Overjoyed from his victory, he is carried away by his emotions and they kiss amidst the songs of devotion heard before his arrival. Act 3 In the Belfiore palace. Parisina becomes mad with worry after confusing the book she is reading with reality. In the book, Francesca da Rimini is discovered with another man, by her husband. Ugo enters and the couple greet each other. Suddenly Parisina’s maid La Verde bursts in to announce the return of Nicolo d’Este from his hunting trip. The Marquis discovers